Standard 14T Front sprocket vs. Lightweight 14T Front sprocket

[martin696CZ]

Hi Guys,

just a simple question : I am interested in changing 15T sprocket to the 14T one. As I find there are two possibilities. To buy a standard 14T sprocket or a lightweight one. Does it have any effect in choosing the lightweight version, which is a little bit more expensive, or it does not make any sense to do it and standard 14T sprocket is sufficient enough.

Thanks in advance for your replies

Cheers

Martin

[dropstharockalot]

My prior lightweight sprockets didn't hold up well under the stress... teeth wore quickly and a couple broke.  If you're just talking about typical street riding, I don't think the minimal weight savings are worth the extra cost and quicker wear.  If you're working on a particular appearance or making a super-light track sled, then maybe. 

My $0.02

[DucatiTorrey]

thats exactly what i've heard as well, some people debate that there isn't enough rotational weight there to warrent the weight loss. and, while your at it, i wouldn't spend more than $30 or so on it, the Ducati ones get expensive, or so i've heard.

[JEFF_H]

the AFAM (and Driven) lightweight ones just have some holes drilled in them, same material as the regular ones

[TAftonomos]

Making a bike lightweight (or anything really) doesn't come from taking one big piece of iron off it and saving 50lbs, it comes from taking ounces from everywhere you can.  It does add up, but it is something that requires dedication to do.

If you arn't on a "quest" to loose weight on the bike, there is really no need to pay a ton of money more for a front sprocket with some holes in it.

[badgalbetty]

Just an observation about lightweight bikes............Many years ago a man I knew we'll call "Fred" , had everything possible done to his bike to make it fast and handle. God it was quick and it had all the suspension and then some. Bike was way fast.
Fred was always trying to find ways to shave of an ounce here or an ounce there,but Fred was the problem. He weighed nearly 280lbs.
WTF Fred! Why not go on a diet???
Wherever you are in the world "Fred", I hope that you are doing well and in good health!!
BGB.

[moto]

If you are talking about front sprockets--they are all made of steel and the strength is exactly the same. They wil last the same amount of time.
Our Driven Front Sprocket 520/14T are $34

Rear sprockets can be purchased in hard anodized aluminum which do not last as long as the steel sprockets but you can drop a few lbs of rotational weight. My aluminum rear sprockets usually last as long as my chain. If you keep them clean and properly aligned the wear is decent.

you can also get steel rear sprockets with an aluminum carrier to save weight - but still have a durable rear sprocket:
We use these on many of our high mileage bikes.
SUPERSPROX "Stealth" 520 Sprocket: "OEM" Mon,SS,ST,888,SC

[NAKID]

I can tell you from experience that the lightweight (drilled holes) steel 15t front sprocket is a good 10% lighter than the stock steel 15t.

I changed chain and sprockets and dropped over 2lbs

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=33421.0